Tech Break by Friday

Paraskevi Kivroglou

Hey there! I'm Paraskevi (fun fact: my name means "Friday" in Greek), and this is where I share all my thoughts and discoveries about the tech world that fascinates me. From the latest in AI to game-changing productivity tips, I'm here to explore how we can make technology work for us while keeping the human touch alive. My mission is simple: to help bridge the tech skills gap by sharing knowledge freely and accessibly. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your tech game, I'm here to help you navigate this digital landscape with confidence. If you're curious about how to embrace the digital age without losing the joy in life, come along for the ride. I'd love to have you join me on this journey! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech.break.by.friday/ Website: https://www.techbreakbyfriday.com/ kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com

  1. Episode 42: Design Your Dream 2026 in 1 Hour (Even if You're New to AI)

    3D AGO

    Episode 42: Design Your Dream 2026 in 1 Hour (Even if You're New to AI)

    Stop Planning Like It's 2020 – Design Your Dream 2026 with AI in 3 StepsMost New Year's plans fail by February. Not because you lack motivation, but because you're planning the WRONG things. This 10-minute episode gives you a battle-tested AI system to stop fake planning and actually design a year that transforms your life. You'll get 3 copy-paste AI prompts that force you to: face the brutal truth about 2025, dream your ideal year without limits, and find your ONE focus with a complete 90-day roadmap. 🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ Why most goals fail (and how AI fixes this) ✅ The Past Year Truth Bomb - see where your time actually went ✅ The Dream Year Design - turn vague wishes into specific targets ✅ The Clarity Breakthrough - find your ONE thing using the 80/20 rule ✅ How to get a 90-day action plan with daily steps (not overwhelming theory) 📋 FREE RESOURCES: 🔗 Download all 3 AI prompts (copy-paste ready): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TaJ8OTtj4kKNhjGjU5Br2m7bJtr-AdtBzTuTtjuQJVY/edit?usp=sharing 🔗 Get the planning slides: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG9Fib-UmA/0HLq4fm7zryb0779WJ0yng/view?utm_content=DAG9Fib-UmA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h2847a0c3de 🔗 Join our Skool community: https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4 👥 ABOUT US: Tech Break by Friday helps businesses and beginners to use AI and proven systems. New episodes every week. 📱 CONNECT WITH US: 🔗 Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/109430623 🔗 Instagram: @tech.break.by.friday 🔗 Website: https://www.techbreakbyfriday.com/ 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1?si=d2401789a0184237 🔗 Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/ If this helped you, hit LIKE 👍, drop a COMMENT 💬 with what AI revealed about your year, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more AI-powered productivity systems. If you want professional AI consulting services tailored to your plan and business path, visit AureliaEdge. A company that promotes trust in AI, and with your partners in technology and innovation. If you want to bring the next chapter in your business, click here: https://www.theaureliaedge.com/ 🏷️ #YouTubeSEO #AI2026 #GoalSetting #ProductivityHacks #AIPlanning #NewYearsGoals #AITools #TimeManagement #ProductivityTips #2026Planning #AIProductivity #GoalSettingTips #WorkSmartNotHard #PersonalDevelopment #SelfImprovement ⚖️ DISCLAIMER:The AI tools mentioned (Perplexity, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) are not sponsored. We genuinely use and recommend them. Some links may be affiliate links where we earn a small commission at no cost to you. Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
  2. Episode 41 [Guest]: Cordell Robinson - Better to be proactive than reactive in cybersecurity

    12/28/2025

    Episode 41 [Guest]: Cordell Robinson - Better to be proactive than reactive in cybersecurity

    How can you actually protect your organization in the age of AI, ransomware, and the EU AI Act, not just pass another audit? In this episode, Cordell B. Robinson, JD, CEO of Brownstone Consulting Firm, explains how to build cybersecurity programs that are compliant, defensible, and truly secure for modern businesses.​ Cordell is a U.S. Navy veteran, engineer, attorney, and cybersecurity leader who helps federal agencies and global enterprises navigate frameworks like NIST 800‑53, FedRAMP, GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and the EU AI Act. As CEO of Brownstone Consulting Firm (BCF), a certified SDVOB, HubZone, and MBE‑owned cybersecurity and AI governance firm headquartered in Washington, DC, he advises boards, CISOs, and founders on governance, risk, and compliance across the U.S., Europe, and Africa.​ In this episode, you’ll learn * How to move beyond checkbox cybersecurity compliance and use GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) as the foundation for real security and resilience​​ * What the EU AI Act, GDPR, and global AI regulations mean for AI‑powered products, data protection, and high‑risk AI systems​​ * How to design an AI governance framework that aligns with NIST CSF, ISO 27001/42001, and emerging AI security standards while satisfying regulators and enterprise customers​​ * Practical steps to reduce cyber risk this quarter: asset mapping, vendor and AI‑tool due diligence, policy enforcement, and secure development practices in cloud environments​​ * Why early action on AI compliance and cyber governance creates a competitive advantage in B2B, regulated industries, and cross‑border markets​​ This episode is for: * CEOs, founders, and executives who need a clear, non‑technical view of cyber risk, AI risk, and regulatory compliance * CISOs, GRC leaders, privacy and legal teams preparing for the EU AI Act and tightening cybersecurity controls around AI systems​​ * SaaS and AI product teams selling into enterprises that demand strong security, privacy, and AI governance as part of the buying process​​ About Cordell B. Robinson, JD Cordell B. Robinson is the Chief Executive Officer of Brownstone Consulting Firm, a cyber security, risk, and compliance consultancy delivering services in cybersecurity governance, AI governance, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and regulatory readiness. Brownstone helps organizations bridge U.S. and EU compliance requirements in the AI era, supporting secure digital transformation across government, finance, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and emerging markets.​ Brownstone Consulting Firm – links * Website: https://www.bcf-us.com * LinkedIn (Company): Brownstone Consulting Firm​ Connect with Cordell * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordell-robinson-a2213a4/​ * Instagram (personal/brand): @cordelltheculinarydiva​ * Instagram (company): @brownstone_consulting_firm​ If you like the value that our podcast provides, subscribe. It helps us bring you more high-quality content and more and more guest episodes to help you improve your business in the AI era. Substack: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paraskevikivroglou7838 and in all your fave podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Thank you, everyone!!PS: If you want professional AI consulting services tailored to your plan and business path, visit AureliaEdge. A company that promotes trust in AI, and with your partners in technology and innovation. If you want to bring the next chapter in your business, click here: https://www.theaureliaedge.com/ Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

    29 min
  3. Episode 40: How Kling 2.6 Audio Changed My Content Workflow (And Why Small Businesses Should Care)

    12/21/2025

    Episode 40: How Kling 2.6 Audio Changed My Content Workflow (And Why Small Businesses Should Care)

    In this episode of Tech Break by Friday Podcast, I break down Higgsfield's Kling 2.6 Audio, the AI tool that generates video, voiceover, sound design, and ambience in a single pass. No separate voiceover software. No editing audio tracks manually. Just write a prompt, hit generate, and get a finished clip ready for clients or your own content. I walk through 4 real-world use cases: Product ads for small businesses (vertical Reels/TikTok format) YouTube explainer intros with native AI voiceover UGC-style social shorts filmed "phone style" Podcast clips & audiograms with built-in ambience and narration You'll learn:✓ How to write prompts that describe both visuals and audio✓ When AI-generated audio is ready to use vs. when to regenerate✓ How to use Kling as a fast draft tool, then polish in CapCut/Premiere✓ How to build a paid content business around AI video + sound✓ The current unlimited generations promo from Higgsfield (limited time) Perfect for creators, freelancers, and small business owners who need to scale video content without hiring a crew or blowing the budget. Batch your generations for speed Use Kling as a draft tool, not final export Build a prompt library for future projects Resources & Links Try Kling 2.6 Audio:https://higgsfield.ai/Kling-2.6-audio Higgsfield Pricing & Winter Sale:https://higgsfield.ai/pricing All prompts used in this video:Available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rrtY3H8Oeyr9HazxeTvuDbl3ZCFJwip9yptJSUGXZUc/edit?usp=sharing Editing Tools I Mention: CapCut (Free): https://www.capcut.com DaVinci Resolve (Free tier available): https://www.davinciresolve.com Premiere Pro (Paid): https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere.html Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

    18 min
  4. 12/18/2025

    [Bonus]: Reintroducing Tech Break by Friday (New Brand + Community)

    Welcome back to Tech Break by Friday. If things have looked a little different lately, that’s on purpose. The podcast has been going through a rebrand, and today is the first time you’re seeing the new Prism Universe in action.​ For anyone new here, Tech Break by Friday is a weekly tech and AI show designed to slow down the noise and turn it into clear, practical insights you can actually use. The new logo is built around that exact idea.​ The white light represents the chaos of the tech news cycle, the constant stream of launches, updates, and hype. The Prism in the middle represents how this show filters and analyzes what matters. And the spectrum coming out the other side is what you get every week: understandable, human‑friendly explanations instead of confusion and FOMO.​ This rebrand took some time. Between work obligations and life, a few episodes were late, and the schedule slipped a bit. That wasn’t ideal, but it also made one thing very clear: if Tech Break by Friday is going to stay useful, it needs a strong system and a clear identity behind it.​ So that’s what this new look is about. A consistent Prism identity across the podcast, the newsletter, and everything around it, so whenever you see it in your feed, you immediately know: ‘This is where the hard work of analysis has already been done.​ The other big piece is community. Alongside the rebrand, there’s now a Skool space for listeners who don’t just want to hear about tech and AI, but want to test ideas, build small projects, and exchange real‑world experiences with others.​ The Skool community is meant to be the practical layer under the podcast: a place to connect, ask questions, share wins and failures, and see how these tools work in actual careers and businesses, not just in theory.​ So yes, there was a slight delay. But Tech Break by Friday is back with a more apparent identity, a stronger visual system, and a concrete plan to turn this into a real community, not just a one‑way broadcast. Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
  5. 11/25/2025

    Episode 39 [Guest]-Ram Reddy: The Smart HR Revolution - A Roadmap to AI-Powered Shared Services Automation

    The biggest AI stories usually focus on coding, marketing, or content creation, but one of the quiet revolutions is happening in HR. In this episode of Tech Break by Friday, Associate Director of HR Information Systems and People Analytics Ram Reddy explains how AI-powered HR shared service centers are reshaping employee support, cutting costs, and freeing HR teams from repetitive work.​ Ram has spent 20+ years building data and HR tech solutions for organizations like NSF International, ADIA, Oracle, and HCL Technologies. His work sits at the intersection of HR technology modernization, data analytics, and AI-driven automation, and he has spoken at events such as the AI IEEE Symposium, Conf42, AI Week, and BSides Bloomington. Find Ram on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramprasad175/ In this conversation, we walk through a practical roadmap for modern HR leaders who want to move beyond ticket queues and email chaos into an AI-first shared services model. You’ll hear how leading organizations:​ * Achieve 30–50% cost reductions in HR administration with AI and workflow automation * Let AI agents and chatbots handle up to 95% of routine employee questions so humans can focus on complex, high-value work * Use predictive analytics to spot issues earlier, like turnover risk, burnout signals, or policy bottlenecks We also talk about the tech stack behind this: * How to think about HRIS/ERP integration as the foundation for any serious automation * Where GenAI, assistants, and multi-agent systems realistically fit into HR flows today * Why data quality and change management matter more than buying “shiny” AI tools If you work in HR, people analytics, or lead a team that’s drowning in internal requests, this episode will give you a clear language and structure to design your own smart HR roadmap, not just a one-off chatbot.​ Key takeaways * Start with process clarity and clean HR data before throwing AI at the problem. * Think in terms of shared services products (onboarding, leave, payroll queries, benefits) and design AI flows around them. * Track hard metrics: resolution time, first-contact resolution, CSAT, and cost per ticket, not just “we launched a bot.”​ * Upskill HR and People Analytics teams so they can own the transformation instead of outsourcing all know-how. Call to action If you’re an HR or tech leader experimenting with AI in HR, hit reply and share what you’re testing. I’d love to include real-world examples in a future episode. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on: * Spotify: * Apple Podcasts: And if you want more deep dives into practical AI and tech, subscribe to Tech Break by Friday so you get every new episode and breakdown directly in your inbox. Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

    32 min
  6. 11/18/2025

    Episode 38: The $3M AI Music Deal: How Xania Monet Charted on Billboard Without Singing

    Summary:In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the AI music revolution that’s reshaping the industry at record speed. Explore how digital avatars like Xania Monet are making history—she’s accrued 44 million streams, landed a $3 million record deal, and became the first AI-generated artist to debut on Billboard’s radio airplay chart, all without ever stepping into a studio.​ But the wave doesn’t stop there. We spotlight other chart-busting AI acts like Breaking Rust, the country persona who topped the Country Digital Song Sales chart, and The Velvet Sundown, whose psychedelic rock is going viral across Europe.​ With AI accounting for as much as 18-28% of new music uploads daily, and 82% of listeners struggling to tell AI from human creations, the ethical and creative stakes for artists have never been higher. We discuss the explosive rise in AI music’s value—projected to skyrocket from $2.9 billion in 2024 to $38.71 billion by 2033—and the heated debate over consent, transparency, and compensation in the AI era.​ You’ll hear stories of artists taking control, like Holly Herndon and Grimes, who pioneered consent-driven AI music projects, and examine the legal and moral crossroads facing creators today. Tune in for a lively discussion on ownership, the future of artistry, and why your support for transparency and human creators matters more than ever.​ Call to Action:Voice your thoughts—should platforms label AI-generated music? Does transparency change your listening choices? Share your opinion, join the community, and help shape the future of music!Subscribe to: Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paraskevikivroglou7838 and in all your fave podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-break-by-friday/id1796711716 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1 Sources: Informed by coverage from Billboard, Forbes, Euronews, and additional researchesearch. https://substack.com/home/post/p-178038105 https://jacobin.com/2024/02/holly-herndon-ai-music-composition https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/06/12/grimes-helps-artists-distribute-songs-using-her-ai-voice--if-they-pay-royalties-heres-how-it-works/ https://www.soundingfuture.com/en/article/holly-holly-herndons-digital-ai-voice-twin https://theconversation.com/universal-music-went-from-suing-an-ai-company-to-partnering-with-it-what-will-it-mean-for-artists-268773 https://academic.oup.com/jiplp/article/20/3/182/7922541 https://arxiv.org/pdf/2501.11457 https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.14933 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_network_(machine_learning) https://www.tvinsider.com/people/grimes/ Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

    11 min
  7. Episode 37 [Guest]: Abhishek Yadav - Data visualization is a soft skill

    11/10/2025

    Episode 37 [Guest]: Abhishek Yadav - Data visualization is a soft skill

    In this episode, Tech Break by Friday podcast welcomes Abhishek Yadav, a leader in data and business intelligence at the Mayo Clinic. Abhishek Yadav is a BI and GenAI professional passionate about making data human, understandable, and actionable. With over a decade of experience in analytics, AI, and data storytelling, his work focuses on bridging the gap between insight and impact through visual intelligence. His projects combine algorithmic precision with intuitive design, helping organizations make faster, smarter, and more empathetic decisions. Find him on: LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/abhishekdsyyadav] Abhishek explains how visual intelligence and data visualization are reshaping decision-making in organizations today. The discussion explores why visualization is often overlooked in data conversations, why the best visuals require both technical and creative skills, and how empathy and effective communication are essential for compelling storytelling with data. Abhishek shares lessons learned from years of designing impactful dashboards, emphasizing the value of clarity over complexity, and describes real-world examples, including an innovative, question-driven visualization that improved patient appointment flows in healthcare. The episode covers actionable tips for improving visualization literacy, what makes successful dashboards, and how AI and generative tools are making data more accessible and conversational for everyone. Whether you’re a data beginner or a seasoned analyst, you’ll learn both practical techniques and big-picture insights about the evolving field of data visualization. The episode concludes with Abhishek’s advice for anyone starting out in this field and reflections on the growing partnership between humans and AI in making informed decisions with data.​ 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome 00:16 – Guest Introduction: Abhishek Yadav 00:53 – What is Visual Intelligence? 01:18 – Why Data Visualization Is Underrated 02:47 – Visualization: Hard Skill or Soft Skill? 03:08 – Empathy and Communication in Visualization 04:01 – Storytelling and Translation in Visualization 04:56 – Common Mistakes in Data Dashboards 07:14 – Improving Visualization Literacy 08:40 – Influences and Learning: Edward Tufte & Real-World Feedback 10:00 – What Is Question-Driven Visualization? 11:25 – Healthcare Example: Appointment Scheduling Flow 12:26 – Designing Question-Driven Visuals—User Journey 14:31 – Guiding Teams: Fostering Curiosity via Dashboards 17:17 – Prioritization Tool Project Walkthrough 20:29 – Measuring the Impact of Data Visualization 22:57 – The Future: AI, Generative Tools, and Conversational Dashboards 29:20 – Career Advice: How to Start in Data Visualization 33:05 – Wrap-Up, Final Thoughts, and Thanks Your support means everything and makes it possible for this podcast to keep bringing awesome guests and having insightful conversations in AI and Data. Subscribe to: Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paraskevikivroglou7838 and in all your fave podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-break-by-friday/id1796711716 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1 Thank you, everyone!! Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

    34 min
  8. 10/29/2025

    Episode 36: The Next Web War: Why AI Browsers? (Part 2)

    AI Browsers: The Zero-Click Revolution Transforming How We Search Are you tired of juggling dozens of browser tabs? This week, we explore the emerging world of AI browsers and how they're revolutionizing the way we interact with the internet. OpenAI just released ChatGPT Atlas for macOS, joining competitors like Perplexity's Comet in a race to eliminate "tab chaos" and fundamentally change how we find information. Discover what AI browsers are, why they matter, and the critical trade-offs between convenience and control in this new era of browsing.​ Key Topics Covered What AI browsers are and how they differ from traditional browsers The "zero-click revolution" and changing user behavior patterns Real-world use cases: automated research, competitor intelligence, and smart shopping Benefits: speed, focus, creativity, and accessibility improvements Critical trade-offs: privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and trust implications The competition between OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, and Brave Featured AI Browsers Discussed ChatGPT Atlas (OpenAI) - macOS browser with integrated ChatGPT features Comet (Perplexity) - AI-first browser with research and shopping capabilities Google Chrome AI Features - Built-in summarization and assistance tools Brave Leo - Privacy-focused browser with AI integration Practical Use Cases Automated Literature Review PhD students can use Atlas to collect, summarize, and compare research papers across multiple databases, automatically generating formatted citations.​ Competitor Intelligence Marketing professionals can analyze competitor strategies by having AI browsers compile press releases, investor updates, and market insights without opening dozens of tabs.​ Smart Shopping Small business owners can research products with AI-powered comparison shopping that filters reviews, applies promo codes, and highlights pros and cons automatically.​ Key Takeaways AI browsers integrate large language models directly into the browsing experience, eliminating the need to navigate to separate AI tools​ The "zero-click revolution" represents a fundamental shift in how users access information online​ These browsers offer significant accessibility benefits for neurodiverse users and people with visual impairments​ Privacy concerns exist as AI browsers must monitor browsing behavior to provide personalized assistance​ The technology represents a tension between convenience and control over information access​ Important Question We want to hear from you! Are you someone who has multiple browser tabs open? How do you manage your tabs? Share your experience: Comment on Substack Comment on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Resources & Links Primary Sources OpenAI ChatGPT Atlas announcement: https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-atlas/ Perplexity Comet introduction: https://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/introducing-comet Google Chrome AI features: https://blog.google/products/chrome/new-ai-features-for-chrome/ Brave Leo documentation: https://support.brave.app/hc/en-us/articles/20958609786637 Additional Reading TechCrunch coverage: https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/21/openai-launches-an-ai-powered-browser-chatgpt-atlas/ DIA Browser review: https://www.caneraras.com/learn/dia-browser-review-ai-first-browser Best AI browsers comparison: https://www.kosmik.app/blog/best-ai-browsers Zero-click economy analysis: https://kahana.co/blog/ai-browser-search-disruption-2025-zero-click-economy-crisis Privacy concerns study (UCL): https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/aug/ai-web-browser-assistants-raise-serious-privacy-concerns Special Offer Perplexity Comet Free Trial: As a Perplexity Pro user, I have a special link for you. Download Comet and get one month of Perplexity Pro for free: https://pplx.ai/kibrogloup90350 (Not sponsored) Join Our Community If you've been getting value from this podcast, take your learning to the next level inside the AI Advantage Club Skool Community: Daily implementations from real businesses Direct feedback on your ideas Weekly live Q&As with direct access to me Network with entrepreneurs building AI-powered businesses Join here: https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4 Connect With Tech Break by Friday Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-break-by-friday/id1796711716 Instagram: @tech.break.by.friday X (Twitter): @ParaskeviKivro Substack: Subscribe for episode notes and additional content Support the Show If you found this episode valuable: Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Share this episode with someone interested in AI and technology Comment with your thoughts on AI browsers and tab management Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

    12 min

About

Hey there! I'm Paraskevi (fun fact: my name means "Friday" in Greek), and this is where I share all my thoughts and discoveries about the tech world that fascinates me. From the latest in AI to game-changing productivity tips, I'm here to explore how we can make technology work for us while keeping the human touch alive. My mission is simple: to help bridge the tech skills gap by sharing knowledge freely and accessibly. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your tech game, I'm here to help you navigate this digital landscape with confidence. If you're curious about how to embrace the digital age without losing the joy in life, come along for the ride. I'd love to have you join me on this journey! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech.break.by.friday/ Website: https://www.techbreakbyfriday.com/ kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com